For many people, their home’s roof is out of sight, out of mind. But, it is crucial to know what’s happening up there to avoid potential damage to your home. Here are the most common causes of residential roof damage on the Central Coast, and a few ways to prevent problems.
Causes of Roof Damage
- Weather: In San Luis Obispo County, the weather is the No. 1 culprit when it comes to the cause of roof damage.
“The sun is our biggest enemy to wearing out roofs,” said Mark Miller, founder and partner at A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing. Over time, the heat from the sun, especially in hotter microclimates, can damage your roof.
Strong winds can also lift and remove shingles, exposing the underlying roof structure. In cooler regions of the country, snow and ice can lead to ice dams and contribute to water infiltration.
- Plants and Trees: Tree branches or accumulated leaves or other debris can fall on the roof, damaging it by scratching or puncturing materials. Leaves can also trap moisture and contribute to the growth of moss and algae, which break down roof tiles.
- Poor Ventilation: Inadequate attic ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, causing rot and deterioration of roofing materials.
Other causes of roof damage: age-related wear and tear; poor installation; bird, insect, or rodents; and walking on the roof.
Ways to Prevent Roof Damage
- Yearly Inspections: Have a roofing expert inspect your roof each year, preferably before the hot summer. You’ll catch problems early, get started on repairs, and avoid further damage.
“When A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing does an inspection, we drone the whole roof,” Miller said. “We inspect the roof with drones, taking close-up pictures on specific parts of the roof, to give you an estimate on the current state of the roof and longevity. We look at the ventilation and ridge caps. Then, when we walk on the roof, we make sure the roof decking isn’t rotting, brittle, or defective.”
If something needs repairs, we can do that, so a small issue doesn’t turn into something big.
- Clear debris: Don’t let leaves or other plant matter build up on your roof or in your gutters. Water can back up and get underneath the roofing. Dams can form and cause problems later.
- Maintain proper ventilation: Make sure you have adequate attic vents for air circulation, which keeps the roof from getting too hot.
“If your attic gets really hot and it is hot outside, it gets even hotter on the roof,” Miller added. “We always push for proper attic space ventilation. It’s good to have for a lot of reasons, but poor ventilation contributes to the breakdown of your roof.”
It is possible to extend the lifespan of your roof by knowing what causes roof damage, taking a proactive approach maintaining your roof, and by having a roofing expert such as A.M Sun Solar & Roofing inspect your roof on a regular basis. Turn to us for high-quality asphalt shingle roofing in San Luis Obispo County.
More About A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing
A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing is the local leader in custom solar solutions and installations on the Central Coast. For over two decades, A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing has provided high quality, cost efficient solar energy to residences and small businesses in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Kern, Fresno, and Santa Barbara counties. With a wide variety of financing solutions available, affordable pricing, custom solutions and complete installations from permit to interconnection, A.M. Sun Solar & Roofing is the go-to local solar company on the Central Coast.
Connect with us today at hello@amsunsolar.com, (805) 772-6786, or fill out the form below to get a FREE on-site consultation with one of our friendly solar & roofing experts.